Signature RainSong tone and projection in a high-tech fusion of materials.

The RainSong Hybrid H-DR1100N2 acoustic guitar combines carbon fiber with glass fiber construction to achieve the signature RainSong sound and road- tough stability at an attractive price. The dreadnought is the traditional workhorse of acoustic guitar music. With a large, deep body and wide waist, RainSong's DR acoustic guitar has the powerful bass and ringing treble of a great rhythmic guitar, but still maintains a wonderfully balanced sound, with clear distinction among individual notes.

From rhythm to lead, the RainSong DR guitar makes its presence known. Capable of cutting through admirably in any acoustic setting, the RainSong Hybrid DR guitar is loud enough to compete with banjos, mandolins, and other traditional volume hogs.

The N2 neck on the RainSong Hybrid H-DR1100N2 acoustic guitar is a result of an extensive, long-term collaboration with the renowned artist Steve Miller and Master Luthier John Bolin. The neck design is based on a modified "U" profile that has been popular in guitars since the 1950s. It has a substantial feel that is ergonomically sound and results in better transfer of string vibration energy to the soundboard. The RainSong guitar features a truss rod that is accessible from the headstock. Graphite does not warp or bow with changes in humidity and temperature. The purpose of the truss rod is to allow customization of the relief to suit individual preferences. Includes case.

To my ear, it is a big loud dreadnought with all the rich over tones and low end response I expect from any fine dreadnought guitar (my benchmark is a Martin HD-28V, which I had the chance to A-B it against on the day the RainSong arrived). If being composite means more than durability and lack of worry, it might have given it a touch more high end than the HD-28V, though that could be the newer strings. I would not call it uniquely composite sounding in any way. The attention to detail in its construction (inside and out) is excellent (heads and shoulder better than my CA, though it is a lower end raw model). The nut is perfectly fit and cut. The fret job is perfect (I would call my CAs fret job as being perfectly functional, and stainless is no excuse given the perfect stainless Carvins Ive seen). Looking inside there are no wrinkles or anything less than ideal. The neck relief is just right (~~.005, slighter than my smallest feeler gauge) and the action at 3/32" and 2/32" (low/high E, 12th fret) is very aggressive. It is great to see that the guitar can handle that. But for my planned usage I want to be able to really cut through single note lead lines and I plan to shim the saddle in 1/32 increments to see where I want it, and then make a new saddle. I think a full gloss American made guitar at this price point is very competitive (the cheapest all gloss Martin lists for ~$2.5K).

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